Can you feel fetal movement at four months pregnant?
Feb 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, at four months of pregnancy, women who have prior childbirth experience and are slim with a thinner abdominal fat layer usually begin to feel fetal movements. However, women without prior childbirth experience who are overweight with a thicker abdominal fat layer may not yet feel fetal movements. If fetal movements are abnormal, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a qualified hospital promptly.
Generally, at four months of pregnancy, if the pregnant woman has previous childbirth experience and is slim with a thin abdominal fat layer, she may begin to feel fetal movements at this stage. However, if the woman is pregnant for the first time and is overweight with a thicker abdominal fat layer, she may not yet feel fetal movements. If fetal movements appear abnormal, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a formal hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:
If the pregnant woman is slim with a thin abdominal fat layer or is a multipara (a woman who has given birth previously), she might feel fetal movements as early as four months into the pregnancy. At this stage, fetal movements are usually weak and irregular, manifesting as subtle wriggling sensations or light taps.
If the pregnant woman is overweight with a thicker abdominal fat layer or is experiencing her first pregnancy, she may feel fetal movements somewhat later. This delay may be due to the abdominal fat and lack of prior pregnancy experience affecting her perception of fetal movements.
Regardless of whether a pregnant woman feels fetal movements at four months, regular prenatal checkups should be conducted to ensure the healthy development of the fetus. Meanwhile, the expectant mother should maintain a positive mindset and avoid anxiety due to not feeling fetal movements immediately.
